Hi Gene, I’m Ronnie Stepka, Lieutenant, with the Cleveland Fire Department and the Pipe Sergeant of the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums.
How many years have you been with the band?
I have been with the band off and on since its inception actually.Took time off for family when we started having children…I’m certain that a good number of pipers and drummers know exactly what I’m talking about!
How many years have you been playing?
Not that long actually… I’d say about 17 years or so.So much more to learn…
What made you want to start playing in a Pipe and Drum band?
It was by total inspiration of listening to a good friend of mine, Pat McNea play.He was a firefighter for the City of Cleveland and I worked a shift with him one day down on the Fireboat “Celebreeze” down on the river and it was he that convinced me that this was something that I could do.At the time he was the “Official” piper for the City Of Cleveland.At that time he was the ONLY piper in the Fire Department!!!
When was the band established?
Waaaay back in 1991.We’ve been laying it down ever since!!It’s been a great ride.
Was there a specific event that led to the forming of the band?
If memory serves me correct…. It had to do with politics of a joint band that consisted of Police and Fire.It was a TOTAL leap of faith that drove those founding members to make into formation of what we are today.Without a doubt, our founding members did the right thing.
How many founding members where there?
I would bet that there were less than a half dozen at best.
How many members do you have in the band now?
Active members are at about 35-40.There are plenty more on the “injured reserve” list as well.Families, careers and other commitments have taken proper priority over our group of musicians, as it should.
I see by your roster that there are people from outside of the Cleveland Fire Department, what are the requirements to join the band?
Vital signs!!!You know, pulse rate, respiratory rate!All joking aside…I would have to say to join our band you would need to have desire for the instrument and love of the music.The ability to laugh and have a good time is also extremely high on the priority scale.
When the band originally formed was it strictly Cleveland Firefighters or have you always allowed outside departments to join?
Realistically, we could not survive without the addition of outside agencies as well as our civilian members.The talent and depth and the dedication that they bring to the table is enormous.
Are the members who are not with Cleveland Fire allowed to wear any uniform items from their perspective departments?
You bet!They wear with pride their respective Fire Department patches on their left shoulder and the band patch is worn on our right shoulder.Some of our members fly small flags from their drones to proudly let their heritage shine.
Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums Patch
How many would you like to see in the band?
I love having the numbers… but not at a price of sacrificing quality.Flooding the street with pipers and drummers that are “faking” it just doesn’t cut it with us.Don’t get me wrong Gene, growth is good…Controlled growth, not explosive growth
Where and how often do you guys practice?
We practice weekly at the ClevelandFireTrainingAcademy.The place is just short of perfect with its great central location, ample parking, tall ceilings and decent acoustics.We have the full support of the Cleveland Fire Department which helps tremendously.
Tell us about your first performance as a band?
My first performance was at a Police Tattoo here in Cleveland.I was so scared but I knew the program.I can remember practicing nothing but the tunes in that program so that I didn’t take any crap from the cops in the band.It was a long time ago but I still remember the thunderous applause that we received while piping onto the center stage.It was friggin awesome!
What was your most recent performance as a band?
Our most recent performance as a band was for a small fund raiser for Muscular Dystrophy.It was held at a Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Shop!Too bad this Clevetown weather wasn’t cooperating that night, it was cold!!They sold ice cream for 5 cents a scoop and the line many times that night was spilling into the parking lot.
How many events do you guys play a year as a band?
We kick about 30 jobs a year according to our Band Manager, Ken Rybka.Kenny is one of the most dedicated souls I know, not to just the band but the fire service as a whole, a true “go to” guy for this band.I’d do anything to keep his involvement in this band.Well…. Almost anything!
Do you guys have a favorite local event you like to play?
We always have a great turnout for our annual fundraiser “Guns and Hoses”.I had a blast this year and we broke out a newer tune for us “The lion sleeps tonight” that just rocked the house.Our drum section laid down a sweet drummer’s solo that really puts a hook into that tune.Tons of fun with good friends and gallons of beer to be had. What more could you ask for?
Guns And Hoses
How many years has the Guns and Hoses bash been going on?
I believe that we just celebrated our 10 Annual!!It’s an event that has run it’s course though..We are seeking new ways to reinvent that event because it is so much fun and it would be a shame to just let it die on the vine.
How did the Guns and Hoses bash start?
It got its name “Guns and Hoses” because it is a fundraiser for both the Police Department’s pipe band as well as ours.So to answer your question, it started as an idea over a beer with some cops and firefighters and took off from there.
How do you guys raise money as a band?
Actually we do a little of both Gene.Fundraisers are fun and a lot of work with the logistics of everything that goes into it.Performances are much more fun because you can totally prepare the music and its delivery.
Do you guys sometimes charge for performances?
We never charge a fee for a performance…..but…. A $500-600 dollar donation will greatly be accepted with a smile and a business card for a call back for next year!!
Is there a band out there you guys love to play and hang with?
I wish!!I’d love to be able to do some instrumentals with a full band.There is so much more “depth” to the pipes when played with backing vocals and instruments.
What tartan do you guys wear and why did you choose it?
I remember asking one of the founding fathers on the reason of choosing the Urquhardt tartan as our tartan.His reply was simple, honest and succinct; he said “It had a traditional look to it and a thin red line to represent the fire service”.You see, it’s like “Achams Razor” sometimes the most simplistic answer is the best.
You guys are one of the more established bands in the United States is there anything more you guys where you want to be or are there things you guys want to accomplish?
We are rather fortunate to have the music direction that we do.Mike Engle is not only our Pipe Major; he is also our Music Director as well.The guy has been piping for a good many years and can lay it down.He has put sets together that work nicely with our piping talent.We are now approaching the possibility of including some of the tunes that I have written.That would be way cool.Just last practice I played a tune that I had written and he liked it enough for me to put to paper.For me to put anything to manuscript makes me smile.It’s one of those tunes that sound good at the march but even better when played a bit slower with expression.I’d really enjoy playing this one with an orchestra or rock band.Making a CD would be awesome as well.Being invited back to another Presidential Inaugural would be sweet too!
Has the band changed at all since the beginning or has it remained the same?
Wow, what a question…It’s probably a little of both actually.We are still a good time band that likes to have a solid performance.Heck, even our most junior piper can identify a tight performance vs. a so/so performance.We don’t have an eye towards becoming a competition band at all and that just creates a nice easy go attitude and that has led to developing a great non-stressful union of our members.Again, and I can’t stress this enough, have fun but never sacrifice the music.Beers and accolades can come later!!I know that you were hoping for a line item list of things that have changed or things that have not.I can’t really put my finger on the pulse of this but know this….This band just feels good.No cliques to speak of, no back biting or posturing, just fun and an ear for the music.
Do you guys get approached or asked advice on running, managing and playing in a Fire Pipe band?
Kenny Rybka, he likes to be called the “Big BM” sits on a committee that is in the process of setting up a Ohio Band.He will do well for that organization as he has the answers to make it run well.
Cleveland Playing the Democratic Debate
What advice would you give to some of the up and coming bands in the United States?
Be true to the music.Period.Do not water down a tune just to play it, instead learn all of the movements, gracing and embellishments as it is written.Play it slowly at first and then rock the house.Control your growth; you are only as strong as your weakest piper/drummer.
Does the band pay for Uniforms, Travel, etc?
Partially, on both counts.Our people our here for the right reasons and that is to “honor the badge”.Dibs on that for a song titleJNobody is looking to break even with the investment made in uniform or instrument.Travel is partially covered and uniforms are partially covered as well.
Are you still taking on new members?
Of course!We offer up a chance for anyone to set foot in the door and give us a listen.Number one, you’ll like what you hear.Number two, there is no pretense.Number three, we like to have fun.
Do you guys actively recruit new members or do you let them come to you?
We run a blurb in our union newsletter every month but I believe the best recruitment is word of mouth and actual performances when we wow the crowd.
Do you offer lessons to new members?
I would say that we do offer up lessons on a limited basis.I use to give lessons to beginners out of my home but no longer do that.As soon as I finish my basement, I will probably get back into the swing of things.Our band will teach a solid beginner but we are stretched quite thin on practice night to teach a newbie.
Who are your instructors and where did you find them?
We are very fortunate in this locale to have quite a few quality instructors.Finding one in northern Ohio is not hard at all.I myself was extremely fortunate to have a man named Sandy Hain teach me.Sandy Hain was the Pipe Major of the Black Watch before relocating here to the states.He is a true gentleman and what made him so important in my development as a piper is that he made me become a technician.He would not let me learn to play watered down music.Never, not once.He expected your best every time you had a lesson with him.He still very much involved in the local piping community here as Pipe Major of The Red Hackle Pipes and Drums.He is a reed maker and a musician with the accordion as well.He plays around the area in a band called “Sandy Hain and the Clansmen”.Just a truly talented, classy man.I love him to death!
St. Pats 2006
Who determines if a student is ready to play in public, is there a tryout, vote, test?
We’ve recently just wrestled with this very question.I would like to have some type of proficiency testing with your chosen instrument to the point were you could play solo in front of your peers in the band.A previous band that I had played in had what they called “The seven tune test”.I remember almost crapping my pants when I knew I was getting close to test day.The seven tunes were rather rudimentary when I look back but, you had to complete the tunes with all gracing and embellishments.The tunes if I remember correctly were.Bluebells of Scotland, Old Hoose, I Love a Lassie, Scotland the Brave, The Rowen Tree, Marine Corps Hymn and Caissons.Amazing Grace was also added into the mix.
Do the fire departments represented in the band support the band financially?
To be completely honest, I really don’t know if a member has received money from their respective cities to help us or a member out.Cleveland Fire supports us by providing us with a practice hall and that is good enough for me.
What has been the most memorable experience while in the band?
My coolest band job would have to be playing at the Presidential Inaugural Parade for President Clinton.Though I am a Republican, it was still an honor to be invited to play there.
Your website says “In the unfortunate event of a LODD funeral in the Cleveland area, all fire bands are welcome to perform with us. Never ask if you are invited, just let us know if you can make it.”Has this always been the attitude of the band that all are welcome to play with you guys?
We have been asked to stand down while attending funerals in the past and the feeling is absolutely terrible.Here we are, ready to honor one of our own and stand side by side with firefighters from other states who were there for the same purpose and we were asked to stand down.It’s just wrong.We have an open door policy with the outside piping community.
Worchester, Mass. 1999
How long did it take you to compose and write “Honor Our Fallen”?
The song was generated in about a day’s time.It was one of those tunes that you find yourself doing “mouth music” to and later that day I put it to the chanter and it sound pretty good.I practiced it for a few days on the pipes and presented it to PM Sandy Hain and he was floored with it.My original fear was that he was going to tell me that it sounded like this tune or that tune and if it did I would have forgotten about it as quickly as I had written it, but that was not the case.We both penned it out that day to manuscript and presented it to the band.
How did you first present the piece to the band?
With PM Sandy Hain, we made the first pitch at the chanter table at practice.
How was it accepted?
They really liked the idea that a tune was named with the slogan of the band and they liked the stoic, dramatic quality that the tune sings out.Chicago Police Emerald Society had used this tune on their CD and they did a fantastic job with it.
Was this the first piece you had written or are there other original tunes?
Yes, this was my first piece of pipe music that I have composed but it wasn’t the last.I told you earlier that I presented PM Mike Engle with another piece that I have written and it looks like it might be something that we will play out.YeeHaw!!! I’m excited about this new tune and have hopes of it becoming a crowd pleaser.The seconds and harmonies that can be played with it are cool.
What experience did you have with writing tunes?
Just a handful actually, so its time to get those creative juices flowing again.You know, an idle mind is the devils workshop!
One of your larger events is the Cleveland St. Patrick’s day Parade what is that like?
It is a great parade!If ever up this way it is a must see and do event.The weather is extremely difficult to predict up here but when it’s on it’s on.It’s the biggest parade between Chicago and New York!With Mother Nature cooperating they’ll put over 1 million people in the street just to watch this parade.
St. Pats Parade 2004
You guys have taken some awards from that parade have you not?
Heck yeah we did!!First place numerous times as well as Best in Parade many times.
Who is the big competition for the awards at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
Our biggest nemesis is the Cleveland Police Band.Boo hiss…JI have a great deal of friends in that band and a lot of great memories.Though it’s a competition, it’s a healthy one and tons of fun.The after parade parties and the like can sometimes be “Off the Hook”.Our Band Manager books about 6 jobs or so on that day.
Any crazy band antics going on?
I could tell you but then I would have to kill you…..I could tell you stories and give you fictitious names but I KNOW that they would come back to haunt me.The band has a motto, “What you learn in the band, what you see in the band, stays with the band, when you leave the band”.This is not the right venue for sharing stories with your mixed membership but in private I’ll kick back with a beer with you and I’ll have you crying with some great stories.
Other than Amazing Grace what is your most requested tune?
Hellbound Train and Journey to Skye.Just kidding…I have a feeling that its going to be “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” for a while.That tune has got a cool “Jungle” feel to it.We have one black guy in our band and he is a Swinging and Playing tenor drummer.The man just gets Jungle-Jiggy with that tune.It’s a fun tune to play and right now it’s a crowd pleaser.
How do you feel about the recent explosion of Fire Pipe and Drum bands across the country?
You know I did hear something about the Bagpipe becoming more mainstream.If that is indeed true that would be most outstanding.To me it just means more creative minds are being brought into the mix.We all feed off of that energy and it can only mean that greater things are to come for our craft.
Is there an event you guys have played and regretted it?
I remember playing the Pro Football Hall of Fame Death March.It is a parade to commemorate the induction of new players into the Hall of Fame.The parade route itself isn’t all that bad with hills and the like but it is looooong, about 6 miles or so.In the street on the parade route they have different color football helmets painted onto the street.Now each band is assigned a certain color helmet that when they encounter the color they should play a set of tunes.This was for the television cameras so that they don’t pick up the sounds of everyone playing at the same time.It is also designed to give band members a chance to rest.We missed that directive….and played the entire route almost non-stop!!Our base drummer collapsed at the end of the parade women were crying… or was that me??It was the toughest job that we ever played.
Anything else you want to add?
Thanks Gene for allowing me to boast about the great band that I am honored to march in.We have a great mix of experience and youth and just enough craziness to make it all worthwhile.They truly inspire me.Our executive board is an easy bunch to make great things happen, and when you have that it makes for an easy day."Don't just PLAY the music... FEEL the music".
